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It will be interesting to watch how new general manager Eric DeCosta approaches the free agent market, compared to his predecessor Ozzie Newsome.

The biggest question is how close are the Ravens to returning to a Super Bowl?

That will ultimately dictate whether the team is a big player in the free-agent market.

Much of the potential success hinges on the further development of Jackson. He needs to take the next step as a passer and show he can throw the ball downfield.

DeCosta will inevitably have to provide Jackson with more weapons this offseason. The Ravens upgraded the passing attack prior to last season with mixed results.

— Receiver John Brown signed a one-year deal prior to the 2018 season and will likely test the market. His production tailed off when Jackson took over as the starting quarterback for Flacco. Brown caught 42 passes for 715 yards with five touchdowns.

— Michael Crabtree had one of his worst seasons statistically, finishing with a career-l0w 607 receiving yards. Crabtree has two years remaining on his contract, but he could become another salary-cap casualty because the Ravens could save almost $5 million by releasing him.

— Willie Snead IV appeared to have the most chemistry with Jackson and seemed to be the best fit in the current offense. He led the team with 62 receptions for 651 yards and a touchdown.

In addition, the Ravens also have big decisions to make with their 19 free agents, including C.J. Mosley, Terrell Suggs, Patrick Onwuasor and Za’Darius Smith. The team would like to keep the NFL’s No. 1 defense mostly intact, but that might not be possible. The Ravens defensive players are attractive targets for opposing teams in the free-agent market.

There have been reports that the Ravens have contacted Mosley’s agent Jimmy Sexton about a possible extension. However, other players that might on their way out because of their salary include cornerback Jimmy Smith, guard Marshal Yanda, safety Eric Weddle and cornerback Brandon Carr.

For now, time is on the Ravens’ side to make some of these big decisions. The foundation is being laid for the new direction of the franchise.

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About Todd Karpovich

Todd Karpovich has been a contributor for ESPN, the Associated Press, SportsXchange, the Baltimore Sun, among other media outlets nationwide. He is the co-author of “If These Walls Could Talk: Stories from the Baltimore Ravens Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box,” “Skipper Supreme: Buck Showalter and the Baltimore Orioles,” and the author of “Manchester United (Europe's Best Soccer Clubs).” Karpovich lives in Towson with his wife, Jill, daughters, Wyeth and Marta, and a pair of dogs, Sarah and Rory. More from Todd Karpovich

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Lombardi’s Way - A column from the 24×7 founder that focuses on the Ravens, the NFL, Baltimore, the world of sports or life’s inspirations.

Word on The Street - In the spirit of the CBS Sports Minute with Boomer Esiason, RSR brings you Word on The Street, a 90 second (or less) podcast on topics exclusively relating to the Baltimore Ravens.

Ravens Links - We’ll give you the best stories about the Ravens from around the web three times per week.

The Fanimal - If you are an animal about the Baltimore Ravens, then you are a Fanimal! Follow the Russell Street Report blog Fanimal Crackers!

The Edgar Awards - The Edgar Awards will range from the Maryland county that is home to the best Ravens fans to the best Ravens podcast; from the best collection of displaced fans to the best local craft brews that should be part of your next tailgating party.

The Road to RSR - Our writers explains their journeys as fans and how they came to write for our little corner of sports media.